Watford forward Connor Smith pulls out of Republic of Ireland Under-19s squad due to tiredness

10:53am Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Watford FC Academy Photograph of the Author By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Republic of Ireland Under-19s manager Paul Doolin claims Watford forward Connor Smith has told him he is too tired to travel with the squad for this month's European Championship elite qualifiers in Portugal.

The Irish have three games in Portugal at the end of this month as they try to win their elite qualifying group to secure a place at the main event, which is held in Estonia in early July.

Smith, who has been handed a professional contract by Watford, spent most of this season on loan at Ryman Premier side Wealdstone, where he made 22 starts and ten substitute appearances.

His Hornets team-mates Tommie Hoban and Sean Murray, who made 19 appearances for the first team this season, are in the squad.

Under-19 boss Doolin told the Irish Independent: "Connor says he's not feeling great and wouldn't be able to go. He's been on loan playing twice per week and seems to feel very tired.

"Of course it's disappointing, but it's probably for the best that he doesn't go. With only 16 outfield players in the squad, we can't carry anyone who isn't 100 per cent up for it."

Ireland Under-19s take on Portugal on May 26, Ukraine two days later and Israel on May 31.

Squad: S McDermott (Arsenal), N Burdon (Stade Rennais), M Barker (Bohemians), C Morrissey (Trieste, Italy), N Byrne (Rochdale), T Hoban (Watford), S Kavanagh (Fulham), B Garmston (West Brom), S Carruthers (Aston Villa), J O'Sullivan (Blackburn Rvs), S Murray (Watford), F Sutherland (QPR), D Williams (Aston Villa), M Drennan (Aston Villa), A Forde (Wolves), A O'Brien (Millwall), G Smith (Southend).

Comments(15)

Toshhorn says...
11:39am Wed 16 May 12

What is this, Under-19 boss Doolin ,trying to say?
This is a sensible lad who wants a professional career desperately, so he is going to take a rest, which is needed, re-charge his batteries and prepare himself for the most important season in his life. This article appears to be suggesting that his attitude is wrong, which I'm sure it isn't

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luther blissett says...
11:55am Wed 16 May 12

Toshhorn wrote:
What is this, Under-19 boss Doolin ,trying to say? This is a sensible lad who wants a professional career desperately, so he is going to take a rest, which is needed, re-charge his batteries and prepare himself for the most important season in his life. This article appears to be suggesting that his attitude is wrong, which I'm sure it isn't
I would move heaven and earth to play for my country.

TBH, it isn't the best reason to pull out.

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
12:08pm Wed 16 May 12

Tired!?!?!? When I was his age I could play a game a day with no ill effect! Sounds to me like he's got a holiday booked! Even if I was tired i'd be desperately trying to hide the fact so I could go and play for my Country! I think he might regret that decision after the event!

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D.unstable says...
1:56pm Wed 16 May 12

I was about to comment, but I am too tired, so will not bother.

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luther blissett says...
2:53pm Wed 16 May 12

Can you imagine if he told Dyche he was too tired to pay for Watford?

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mrbankrupt says...
2:56pm Wed 16 May 12

Every kids dream should be to play for your country.
I bet his not to tired to go away with his mates?

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Bright 1 says...
2:58pm Wed 16 May 12

Connor was outstanding for Wealdstone in the first part of his loan spell. They had two games per week every week due to their success in the RPL, FA Trophy and Middlesex SC. In the later games he dropped to the bench. He is only a kid still. He covered so much ground in every game he played. The RPL is a tough league with experienced players. It would take its toll. Ask the likes of Marvin Sordell and particularly Gavin Massey amongst others who struggled to make their mark.

Although I don't subscribe to the nonsense about not being able to play 40+ games a season for an experienced pro.

This is absolutely the right decision he is a boy playing in a Mens league and he is still growing.

I hope he gets a good summers rest and is pushing for a place in our 1st team squad next season. I think he could be an absolute star in a Stevie G type role.

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SAHornet says...
3:17pm Wed 16 May 12

Bright 1 wrote:
Connor was outstanding for Wealdstone in the first part of his loan spell. They had two games per week every week due to their success in the RPL, FA Trophy and Middlesex SC. In the later games he dropped to the bench. He is only a kid still. He covered so much ground in every game he played. The RPL is a tough league with experienced players. It would take its toll. Ask the likes of Marvin Sordell and particularly Gavin Massey amongst others who struggled to make their mark.

Although I don't subscribe to the nonsense about not being able to play 40+ games a season for an experienced pro.

This is absolutely the right decision he is a boy playing in a Mens league and he is still growing.

I hope he gets a good summers rest and is pushing for a place in our 1st team squad next season. I think he could be an absolute star in a Stevie G type role.
Don't agree with you Bright or you Toshorn. He is a youngster and should be able to manage a tour abroad to Portugal for his country with absolute relish. Shame on you Connor. This will stay with him internationally and at club level too, I should imagine.

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
3:25pm Wed 16 May 12

Bright 1 wrote:
Connor was outstanding for Wealdstone in the first part of his loan spell. They had two games per week every week due to their success in the RPL, FA Trophy and Middlesex SC. In the later games he dropped to the bench. He is only a kid still. He covered so much ground in every game he played. The RPL is a tough league with experienced players. It would take its toll. Ask the likes of Marvin Sordell and particularly Gavin Massey amongst others who struggled to make their mark. Although I don't subscribe to the nonsense about not being able to play 40+ games a season for an experienced pro. This is absolutely the right decision he is a boy playing in a Mens league and he is still growing. I hope he gets a good summers rest and is pushing for a place in our 1st team squad next season. I think he could be an absolute star in a Stevie G type role.
Come on Bright, Murrey was playing in the Championship and he's not too tired!!

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Bright 1 says...
3:48pm Wed 16 May 12

SA and Smiling. Just my opinion, having watched him. He played a lot more games than Murray in arguably a tougher league. Murray s performance levels also dipped in the latter part of the seasons.

Anyhow, I'm sure this decision wasn't just made by just Connor himself. A certain SD and his medical staff would be having a big imput.

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
4:05pm Wed 16 May 12

Possibly Bright, it would be interesting to know if Watford had an input in his decision not to go. Although I suspect they would encourage him to go in order to gain more experince at that level. I'd agree if he had a niggling injury but tiredness??

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Bright 1 says...
4:58pm Wed 16 May 12

I'm sure all our players are carefully monitored these days. I'm absolutely certain that if was down to just Connor he would have been chomping at the bit to represent his country.

The term tiredness is misleading. I would guess muscle and joint fatigue in a growing young body. Not that he's being a bit of a 'Kevin or Perry' saying 'not fair, don't wanna go, I'm tired'

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Smilingburkinshaw says...
5:46pm Wed 16 May 12

I see what your trying to say Bright but i'm not convinced, at that age your fighting fit! Your body recovers quickly, God, whats he going to be like when he's 30!

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Bright 1 says...
6:17pm Wed 16 May 12

Smilingburkinshaw wrote:
I see what your trying to say Bright but i'm not convinced, at that age your fighting fit! Your body recovers quickly, God, whats he going to be like when he's 30!
Probably a ROI stalwart with many caps, a successful league career and not continually injured due to excesses in his youth.
:-)

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WMH says...
7:49am Thu 17 May 12

Bright 1 wrote:
I'm sure all our players are carefully monitored these days. I'm absolutely certain that if was down to just Connor he would have been chomping at the bit to represent his country. The term tiredness is misleading. I would guess muscle and joint fatigue in a growing young body. Not that he's being a bit of a 'Kevin or Perry' saying 'not fair, don't wanna go, I'm tired'
Agree totally from all I hear.....this guy could be a real star for us, perhaps not as good as Murray but certainly a real asset. He is also definitely desparate to succeed at Watford. Have no doubt this course was approved recommended by Sean D et al when he was handed his contract to avoid the burn out that has destroyed many young careers.

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